The Firing of Admiral Lisa Franchetti: What it Means For The Future of The Navy

​It has been weeks now since Admiral Lisa Franchetti was relieved of her duties as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) by Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Pete Hegseth. A permanent replacement has not yet been put in place for this key national security role. 

Admiral Lisa Franchetti: A Career of Firsts Cut Short

Admiral Franchetti’s career has been marked by a series of historic achievements. Commissioned in 1985, she rose through the ranks to become the first woman to command U.S. Naval Forces Korea, as well as Carrier Strike Groups 9 and 15. In September 2022, she was appointed Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and by November 2023, she shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first female CNO and the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. ​

Her tenure as CNO was characterized by a focus on modernizing the fleet, enhancing readiness, and advocating for diversity and inclusion within the ranks. That last point was likely the nail in the coffin for her career. Time spent advocating for DEI should have been time spent building a stronger fighting force. Because, in the end, that’s what the military is about…winning the fight, or, better yet, being strong enough to avoid one in the first place.  

The Sudden Dismissal: A Controversial But Necessary Decision

On February 21, 2025, Secretary of Defense Hegseth announced the removal of Admiral Franchetti from her post. This decision was part of a broader shake-up within the Pentagon, which also saw the dismissal of General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military officials. ​

The official rationale for these firings has been linked to the administration’s intent to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the military, which they argue undermine military readiness. Secretary Hegseth has been vocal about his opposition to DEI policies, claiming they distract from the military’s core mission. ​

Implications of the Vacancy: Navigating Uncharted Waters

The vacancy in the role of Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) carries several important consequences. Currently, Admiral James W. Kilby is serving as the acting CNO, but the absence of a confirmed leader may impact long-term strategic planning and key decision-making processes. While the Navy continues to operate without interruption, the lack of stable leadership could create uncertainty in areas such as force deployment and combat readiness.

One major concern is the potential delay or disruption of strategic initiatives. For instance, Project 33, a key effort to prepare the Navy for a possible conflict with China over Taiwan in 2027, could face challenges in execution without a permanent leader driving its progress. Additionally, modernization efforts and infrastructure investments—priorities that Admiral Franchetti championed—may lose momentum or face delays without a CNO actively advocating for them.

Beyond operational and strategic concerns, the absence of a confirmed CNO can affect morale within the Navy. Uncertainty in leadership can create instability for officers and enlisted personnel, potentially impacting retention of top talent. Additionally, a lack of consistent leadership could hinder the Navy’s ability to effectively communicate its strategic vision to Congress, the public, and international allies.

While Admiral Kilby and other naval leaders are working to maintain stability, the prolonged vacancy in this critical role poses challenges for the Navy’s long-term planning, modernization efforts, and strategic positioning. A swift and carefully considered appointment of a new CNO is essential to ensuring the Navy remains strong, agile, and prepared for the challenges ahead.

While we don’t know this for a fact, my strong supposition is that President Trump and SECDEF Hegseth have someone in mind for the job.